Week #3 – No More Excuses

This week, Team Arnicare worked hard to push aside our excuses and give our runs our best shot.

Well, Mother Nature is sure not making it easy for us! Excuses are so easy to find! “My car’s snowed in.” “The gym has no power.” “The roads are icy.” I’m happy with myself for getting in three runs this week. I think the fact that my friends/colleagues are so dedicated helps me motivate myself. There’s still a long way to go before the start line, and you know what they say, “The hardest thing is to get to the start line.” – Nathalie

Kay conquered the hills at RCSP this weekend.

No matter how many miles and how much incline you crank the treadmill up to, there is no replacement for some good old trail running. The first break in the weather timed out to my eight-mile weekend run, and I decided on the four-mile loop at Ridley Creek Park.  Now a good trail will give you feedback on your performance like a good friend–not too harsh, but the necessary truth. What Ms. Ridley Creek informed me while I ran was, “You are so awesome for doing this! Look at you out here in the snow and ice, you go girl! But I might point out, and I say this as a friend, you totally STINK at hills.” The trail gives two options–one direction has a 2.5 mile “gradual” ascend; the other has .3 miles that basically require a winch. Although I am usually a “rip the band aid off” kinda gal, I went for the gradual hill. I cannot tell you how weak I was the minute it was even slightly less than flat. Thank goodness for the beautiful Pennsylvania landscape to distract me from all the cold air I was huffing and puffing. I did finish the eight miles at a 13-minute mile average, and I’m happy to report that about two days later, I could bend over to tie my shoes again.  I wonder how much carrying a winch would slow me down? – Kay

I apologize for what I’m about to say, but I have to say it. I’m starting to dread Fridays. All day long, co-workers discuss weekend plans, Facebook friends post statuses and e-cards proclaiming their love for Fridays (“I haven’t been this excited about a Friday since last Friday!”), and all I can think about is my long run the next morning. I know it’s ridiculous that my anxiety and dread starts about 24 hours before I even head out, but I can’t help it. Especially this weekend, when I was only scheduled to run six miles. Can you imagine the hate I’ll have for Fridays when I’m supposed to run nine, 10 or 11 miles? But this past Saturday, I sucked it up, left my sleeping husband and two dogs behind, and headed outside. And I have to say, I’m glad I did. My time was respectable, and my legs felt strong. Now, only five more days until this Friday. – Heather